Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Gotta Love Them

OK - this may seem a bit commercial - but we have to state that we absolutely love the folks at REI - they are so helpful and cooperative.  Their return policy is so awesome - as we have been buying and returning different products from them over the past ten months since we made the decision to walk the Camino.  I am happy to state that we have finally settled on our trekking shoes.  While we thought that we needed high top boots - we have learned through this testing process that lower cut hiking shoes is best for us and our feet.  Happy feet means a better chance that walking 500 miles (800 kilometers) should be much more possible for this older couple.  Our final choice - Patagonia Drifter A/C hiking shoes. 

These are about two-thirds the weight of hiking boots - both of us hate heavy shoes - have a very strong Vibram sole - a generous toe box and are water resistant.  Walking in these is a real pleasure. We took a maiden walk in them yesterday - right out of the box - and walked 4½ miles (7 km).  No hot spots - no toe banging - just comfort - if we had more time we could have walked two or three times that before taking a break.  We have read in reviews on this particular shoe that most people were able to start walking in them with no break-in period - another plus.  We will give them a final test as we take a 17 mile (27 km) walk in a few days and repeat it Saturday August 3rd as we walk El Camino de los Santos

We are getting much closer to departure on our Camino - now that we have resolved an unexpected stomach issue - and our doctors have all given their enthusiastic approval.  Until next time...

Buen Camino
Dale and Arlene





No comments:

Post a Comment